Chiang Rai enters second phase of post-flood restoration

Chiang Rai entered the second phase of its restoration process after recent floods, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.

The Office of Prime Minister’s spokesperson, Jirayu Houngsab, reported that Phumtham, along with several Interior Ministry officials, participated in a ceremony yesterday, October 28, to hand over flood-recovered areas in Mae Sai district. Soldiers and sector members who had been assisting locals were acknowledged for their efforts.

In his speech, Phumtham underscored Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra’s concerns for flood-affected families and communities. He noted that the 38 year old Thai premier directed relevant authorities to expedite restoration efforts to enable residents to resume their normal lives promptly.

Following PM Paethongtarn’s directive, a frontal operations centre, chaired by Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich, was established to optimise the government’s relief operations.

The centre’s efforts have, so far, assisted at least 800 families, with mud being completely cleared from public areas. Shop owners have resumed their businesses, and normalcy is gradually returning, Phumtham stated.

The restoration has now moved into its second phase, concentrating on bolstering infrastructure to better withstand natural disasters and instil confidence in potential tourists. Restored areas have been handed over to the Chiang Rai Interior Office to commence this next phase.

Acting provincial governor Chotnarin Koedsom reported that 14 districts, encompassing 66 sub-districts, were affected by 40 days of flooding. Muang and Mae Sai districts experienced the most severe impact, including landslides in some areas.

Chotnarin praised the collaboration between the operations centre and at least 135 agencies, 1,724 task forces, and 8,826 officers for the success of the initial restoration phase, reported Bangkok Post.

In other news, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) issued a warning as cases of Leptospirosis and Melioidosis surge amidst the rainy season and floods.

Both bacterial infections are on the rise, particularly threatening children, and require immediate attention. In just the first nine months of this year, around 6,000 cases have been reported, leading to a staggering 119 deaths.